Past Events
Over the years, we’ve covered a vast array of topics at our events, including: Telecommunications/broadband, workforce development, natural resources, education, agriculture, Legislature, healthcare, mining, energy, tourism, and many more. See below to catch up on some of our past events.
Recent events
Thursday, May 9, 2024 UPEDA Event
This event had distinguished leaders from the Upper Peninsula’s universities and community colleges where we heard about exciting innovations in the higher education landscape of the U.P. Panel discussions offered a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and collaborative opportunities that will shape the future of our academic institutions and workforce. There was also an update on developments in registered apprenticeship programs and more. The event was held at Northern Michigan University with a virtual option.
February 22, 2024 UPEDA Event
This virtual event had keynote speaker David Lorenz, Destination Marketing Consultant and past Vice President of Travel Michigan. Panel discussions with National Lakeshore & Park superintendents and destination marketing organizations. Also, the Western Tourism Impact Study was presented along with the Upper Peninsula Arts & Culture Impact Study.
May 19, 2023 UPEDA Event
Keynote speaker was Mike Smith, Director of Upper Peninsula Construction Council. Topics included: Soo Locks Project Update, Regional Labor Market Study, New Housing Incentive Programs, and a Michigan Infrastructure Council Virtual Presentation.
Video of meeting:
Feb. 24, 2023 UPEDA Event
Keynote Speaker was Joe Mahon, Economist, Regional Outreach Director, Public Affairs, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Gail Wahlberg, Specialist, SCM Indigenous Engagement with Enbridge presented on Enbridge Line 5. There was a Michigan Infrastructure Overview with Gareth McKay, US Advisory Services and Ryan Laruwe, Michigan Infrastructure Council and LARA. There also was an EV Charging Panel with EGLE – Jessica (Jessie) Crawford, Community Programs Coordinator, Materials Management Division; John and Martin Mueller, “KML Team;” and other participants. Facilitated by Jerald (Jerry) Wuorenmaa, Executive Director, Western U.P. Planning & Development Region (WUPPDR).
Joe Mahon’s Presentation | Michigan Infrastructure Council Presentation
Video of the meeting below:
Dec. 9, 2022 UPEDA Event
Sarah Lucas, Director of Office of Rural Development, focused on all rural matters, provided guidance on pressing issues in rural Michigan, and gave insight into how the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration can invest in thriving rural communities. Janie McNabb of Strategic Policy Associates gave a presentation on employee retention and facilitated a panel discussion with major Upper Peninsula employers on the topic. There was also a student panel discussion on retaining future leaders and young talent. The meeting was held in The Northern Center at Northern Michigan University, Marquette.
May 16, 2022 UPEDA Quarterly Event
The Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance (UPEDA) met virtually on May 16, 2022 from 10 a.m. to noon. Guest speakers included Brian Calley, President & CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan; Ron Wirtz, Regional Outreach Director Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis; Leonidas Murembya, PhD, Economic Specialist, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Department of Technology, Management & Budget; and Marty Fittante, CEO, Invest UP.
February 22, 2022 UPEDA Event
Senator Gary Peters, MEDC's CEO Quentin Messer, and Lee Shirey of the U.S. Economic Development Administration were the guest speakers at this UPEDA virtual event.
June 15, 2021 UPEDA Event
"Workplace of the Future" was the title of the June 2021 meeting. Presenters included Joe Theil of Invent@NMU, Keith Myers of Remote Workface Keweenaw, and Emma Davis of Global Detroit.
“Economic Development in a Virtual World”
February 4, 2021 Event
This was our first-ever virtual event! Several key speakers discussed topics such as career exploration, community promotion, executing conferences, and so on. Throughout the discussion, there were several polls and break-out sessions where attendees were put into smaller groups to discuss topics. This was a free event.